Some ideas? Taste farm-to-table bounty at Sooke Harbour House or authentic Italian food at Zambri’s, who won three medals in Eat Magazines's "Exceptional Eats! Awards" (2013). Hang out oceanside to take in seaplanes and fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish, or head to Vista 18 for mountain, ocean and city views. Wander Chinatown, then savour steak and frites at Brasserie L’Ecole, which was named "Restaurant of the Year" for Victoria by Eat Magazine (2013).

The Island Chefs' Collaborative works with local farmers to promote locally and sustainably grown food, and many restaurants promote environmentally responsible seafood choices as part of the Ocean Wise program.

West Coast Cuisine

The internationally renowned Sooke Harbour House (40 minutes west of Victoria in Sooke) sets the bar for West Coast cuisine. The menu changes daily, with fresh seafood and greens and herbs from the inn's gardens. The Sooke Harbour House restaurant has been named the best on Vancouver Island by Vancouver Magazine for more than 20 consecutive years!

Craving fish and chips? Take the Victoria Harbour Ferry to Fisherman's Wharf and watch seals frolic in the harbour at Barb's Place. Red Fish Blue Fish is another popular spot for fish 'n' chips or fish tacones; it operates out of a steel shipping container on the pier (at the foot of Broughton Ave), and offers a 100% Ocean Wise seafood menu.

Afternoon Tea

Victoria’s colourful British heritage is celebrated daily with traditional afternoon tea. Sip tea from china cups and saucers and nibble on finger sandwiches, scones with cream and other delights. Indulge in tea overlooking the Inner Harbour at the Fairmont Empress’ sumptuous Afternoon Tea or amongst the blooms at Butchart Gardens. Cozy up at the White Heather Tea Room or the James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant, complete with British Royalty memorabilia on the walls. Point Ellice House, a fully restored Victorian home, is a fitting setting for celebrating this delicious tradition.

Trendy and Local Favourites

The stylish Brasserie L’Ecole, located in a former Chinese schoolhouse, was EAT Magazine’s "Restaurant of the Year" for 2011, while Vancouver Magazine named Ulla "2010 Victoria Restaurant of the Year" for its Italian fare created with locally sourced ingredients.

Local institution Pagliacci's serves imaginative pasta dishes in a buzzing, shoulder-to-shoulder setting; live music Sunday through Wednesday adds to the experience. At Vis a Vis Wine and Charcuterie Bar, pair cheese and meat plates with their award-winning wine list or visit Pizzeria Prima Strada for authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Craving a unique drink? Head to Veneto for cocktails made with local liquids like Victoria gin and Silk Road tea. At Pig BBQ Joint, get messy with a pulled pork sandwich, or try big flavours on the daily changing menu at charming Devour.

Fine Dining

Restaurant Matisse, awarded four stars by the Mobil Travel Guide, is known for its traditional French cuisine. Il Terrazzo Ristorante's Northern Italian dishes are complemented by an award-winning wine list.

Dining with a View

Bask in floor-to-ceiling waterfront views at Aura – its menu is loaded with Ocean Wise seafood options and it has a Vancouver Island and BC-heavy wine list. The Blue Crab Bar & Grill is another spot to watch water traffic while indulging in a daily special.